CH 26

I want to go home.

“Felix-sama, you have returned!” 

“Where’s mother and my brothers?”

“Clarice-sama is away on business, but Harold-sama and Hugh-sama will be back soon.”

“I got it. I’d like to go see my father first…”

“Yes, of course! Ah~ I’m so glad Felix-sama has returned. I’m sure master will be pleased to see you. Yes, yes. Come on, this way.” 

What now? When did I say I’m going too!? On second thought, wouldn’t it have been better if I didn’t come with you? What am I doing? Read the air, me! You’re obviously a nuisance!

However, it was not until I arrived at Felix’s parents’ house – the Alpharetta house – that I realized this fact, and it was completely too late. The Alpharetta home was an elegant mansion with white stucco walls and a mansard roof covered in precisely laid dark green scale tiles, befitting a noble count’s family.

However, the inside of the house was somewhat somber, perhaps due to the fact that the head of the family was on his sickbed. The face of the elderly butler who greeted us was also listless. As for me, my legs were trembling at the sight of the luxurious house of a nobleman, which I was entering for the first time. Perhaps I was even more nervous than I had been the last time I had faced Wasso, the bandit. Because there were expensive-looking vases, jars, and sculptures strewn about, and I was afraid I’d knock them over and break them.

“Would your companion like to wait in the drawing room, if you don’t mind?”

“…No.” Felix turned his gaze away from the butler and looked at me, who was standing idly at the back of the room. “Takumi, if you don’t mind… would you mind coming with me?”

“Is that okay?”

“I’d like you to come with me. I’m still wondering if it’s a mistake coming here. You probably think I’m pathetic…”

“I don’t think so. I’ll go with you if you want me to. 

“…Thank you, Takumi.” Felix smiled after saying this. His expression was unusually weak, even for him.

I guess he also must have realized the origin of this somber air that’s covering the house. The stagnant air that belongs to those approaching death can wear.

…Well, I suppose it’s a good thing I came after all. I’m worried about leaving Felix alone right now. I can’t do anything, but I can at least be there for him.

“Old man. He’s my honored guest. I’d like to go see my father with him, if he doesn’t mind.” 

“As you wish, young master. Master will be pleased to know that Felix-sama has finally found someone he cares for.”

After nodding to the butler, Felix said to me, “Well then, Takumi,” and proceeded slowly through the mansion. I bowed to the butler and trailed after Felix. Finally, we made it to the most impressive door in the entire mansion. Felix halted his footsteps and stood silently for a moment.

I extended my hand from behind and gently touched Felix’s clenched fist with my finger. There was a brief pause as Felix stopped walking and stood motionless.

“Takumi…” 

“Don’t worry, Felix. I’m here for you.”

I may not be the most reliable person in the world, but I’m still here for you!

When I gazed at him with this thought, Felix nodded and then turned to the door again. Then he knocked three times in succession.

“It’s Felix von Alpharetta. Thank you for your recent graciousness in allowing me to return to the Count’s residence the other day. Therefore, I would very much like to express my gratitude to you. 

“…”

Then, a faint voice came from behind the door, “Come in.” Felix froze for a moment, his eyes wide, at the quietness of his voice, but then, as if determined, he slowly opened the door.

“…Father.”

Felix muttered in astonishment as he opened the door and recognized the figure that appeared before him. At the far end of the spacious room was an opulent bed with a canopy. On top of it, buried in a sea of sheets, a man stood with his upper body upright, staring at him. His once robust body was now completely emaciated, with nothing but skin and bones standing out. Under his sunken eyes were dark circles. 

“…Fa—ther…”

Felix’s words trembled with shock at his father’s unexpected decline. I quietly approached Felix’s back and placed my palm on his back. Felix seemed prodded by this and made his way unsteadily to the side of the bed.

“Ha… what a face you have there, Felix.”

“I-I’m sorry, but Father… that…” Felix choked as he said these words. 

One could clearly see that he was shaken by the sight of his emaciated father. Felix’s father, Count Alpharetta, stared back at Felix. Then, his gaze suddenly turned to me, who was behind him.

“Felix, shouldn’t you introduce him to me first?”

While his voice was small, it was stern and dignified. From this alone, it served as a reminder that he had cleverly wielded his astuteness to hold the head position of a distinguished Count’s family for many years.

Felix gasped as if he was overwhelmed by the man’s voice, but immediately after wore a relieved expression on his face afterward. 

“Ha… Pardon for my rudeness. His name is Takumi, and we recently welcomed him into Black-winged knights. He’s…no, without him, this potion development wouldn’t have been possible.”

“Hmmm…”

When Felix hesitantly told him, Count Alpharetta fixed his gaze on me. Even though he was emaciated and looked gaunt, his eyes were still sharp and intelligent. By some miracle, I was able to stop myself from flinching and instead respond by opening my mouth.

“I am truly sorry for this unexpected visit.” 

“Ah, take it easy, child. I had heard that a young man with “black” hair had joined the Black-Winged Knights. I have also heard about your efforts in the recent battle against the wyverns on the Lazarte hill. I am deeply grateful for your service to Ritzheim Magic Kingdom.”

“Hmm. I appreciate your excessive compliments, thank you.”

“I apologize for looking like this today. These days, it’s a hassle to get out of bed.”

Count Alpharetta turned around and said this with a weak smile before looking at me and Felix respectively. His gaze was very gentle. 

“…Felix. This is the first time you’ve brought someone close to you to me.

“Was it? I think I’ve invited the children of noble families and Lord Leon to my home on more than one occasion.”

Count Alpharetta slowly shook his head at Felix, who blinked at him in confusion. “That was just a social gathering between noble families, a formal affair, wasn’t it? This is the first time you’ve personally brought someone home.”

“…” 

Felix fell silent, bewildered by Count Alpharetta’s words. He looked as if he could not grasp the true meaning of what his father was trying to say. Count Alfaretta gently held out his hand to him. However, his feeble arms could not reach Felix, and he quietly dropped them onto the bed.

“It’s the first time, Felix… You’ve always been a good listener, and a truly impeccable child who places the count’s family above all else.”

“…But I…”

“Yes, you are. That’s why I was so outraged when you said, ‘I want to join the Black-winged knights.” 

When Count Alpharetta said this, Felix bent his head down, biting his lip in a slight smile.

“”No matter how good you are… and how many military deeds you have performed… As the third son, it is difficult for you to succeed to the count’s family. It was too pitiful for you, who are more capable than anyone else in this count’s family, to continue to be buried in the aristocratic society because of your position.”

“Yes…” Felix blinked his eyes and gazed intently into Count Alpharetta’s face. The look on his face suggested that he had been told something unexpected.

“’So I wanted to prepare the way for your future. But… That was only my own pride. It was only after you left this house, that I realized, how foolish I’ve been… Uhuk uhuk…” 

“Father!”

Count Alpharetta, hunched over on the bed, releasing a hoarse cry. Felix sprang to his aid and helped him sit up straight by propping his back. The Count then slowly lifted the hand that had fallen onto the bed and touched Felix’s face with a gentle touch. Felix’s lips trembled and his eyes welled up as he felt his father’s hands that were full of compassion.

“Father, I’m…”

“Felix, I’m sorry. Even though that was the first time you showed me your true intentions… In a momentary lapse of temper, I assumed you had made a foolish choice. But it was not. It was I who was foolish.” 

“There is no such thing! Until now, I have not noticed father’s will, nor have I tried to know that you thought of me in this way…”

“I am the one who did not try to know your will. You have created your own path without needing anyone including me to prepare it for you. I am happy that the potion development you have done has benefited the country, but more than that, as your father, I am happy that you have found your own path.”

A single drop trickled down Felix’s profile, on his white-tipped cheek. A clear tear wet Count Alpharetta’s fingertips as they touched his cheek. Count Alpharetta’s mouth gently twitched at the sight of it.

“I haven’t seen you cry since you were a child.” 

“…”

“I don’t know if it’s too late… Will you forgive me, Felix?”

Felix just nodded silently. If he opened his mouth, he would probably burst into tears again. Count Alpharetta touched Felix’s hand, narrowed his eyes and gave his son a tranquil look. Count Alpharetta’s eyes were the color of amethyst that I knew so well.

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